Itinerary
- Day 1
Tirana to Durrës to Vlora
You'll start with airport or hotel pickup, then head to Durrës to check out one of the Balkans' most famous amphitheaters, which many compare to Rome's Colosseum. Spend time wandering the ancient part of Durrës and walk along the Adriatic seaside. After lunch, continue on to Vlora, stopping at the archaeological site of Apollonia and visiting Ardenica Monastery along the way. You'll settle in for your first night in Vlora.
- Start point
- Tiranë, Tirana, Albania (Depending On Guest Requests, 08:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Durrës Amphitheater
- Explore ancient Durrës
- Visit archaeological site of Apollonia
- Visit Ardenica Monastery
Optional Activities
- Adriatic seaside exploration in Durrës
Landmarks/POIs Durrës Amphitheater Apollonia Archaeological Site Ardenica Monastery 
- Day 2
Vlora to Riviera to Saranda
After breakfast, meet your guide to explore Vlora. You'll visit the Museum of Independence, a historic two-story building where the Albanian flag was first raised in 1912. From there, head for the Riviera, traveling along a scenic coastal road through the famous Llogara Pass at 1,027m with views of the Ionian coast. Stop for coffee and photos at small beaches. Grab lunch in Himara, the central Riviera city, with an optional visit to Ali Pasha Castle. You'll arrive in Saranda late afternoon and walk around the main pedestrian area at your own pace. Overnight in Saranda.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Museum of Independence in Vlora
- Drive through Llogara Pass
- Explore Saranda pedestrian area
Optional Activities
- Visit Ali Pasha Castle in Himara
Landmarks/POIs Museum of Independence Llogara Pass Ali Pasha Castle - Day 3
Saranda to Butrint to Gjirokastra
This morning you'll travel to Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site just 15 minutes from Saranda and one of Albania's most significant archaeological spots. Explore ancient ruins including the theater, temples, and baths while learning about the city's history and its connection to Trojan settlers and Greek colonization. The site sits on a peninsula surrounded by nature. Later, drive about one hour to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO-listed town with distinctive Ottoman architecture. Visit Gjirokastra Castle on the hilltop for panoramic views, check out the Skendulaj House, and see the Ethnographic Museum in Enver Hoxha's birthplace with a 300-year-old traditional house. Overnight in Gjirokastra.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Butrint UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore Butrint theater, temples, and baths
- Visit Gjirokastra Castle
- Visit Skendulaj House
- Visit Ethnographic Museum in Enver Hoxha's birthplace
Landmarks/POIs Butrint Gjirokastra Castle Skendulaj House Ethnographic Museum 
- Day 4
Gjirokastra to Berat
After breakfast, head toward Berat, known as the White City, set against the Tomorr Mountains. The journey follows mostly highways with stops for coffee and views. When you arrive, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town with its Ottoman architecture. Visit Berat Castle, where people still live within its ancient walls. Walk through narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Ottoman houses. Check out St. Mary's Church, which houses the Onufri Museum dedicated to the 16th-century Albanian icon painter Onufri, famous for his distinctive vibrant red color in Orthodox churches across Albania and Greece. You'll have free time in the pedestrian zone for photos, shopping, and local cafes. Overnight in Berat.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Berat Castle
- Explore Berat old town
- Visit St. Mary's Church and Onufri Museum
Landmarks/POIs Berat Castle St. Mary's Church Onufri Museum 
- Day 5
Berat to Elbasan to Pogradec to Ohrid
After breakfast, travel toward North Macedonia, starting with a drive to Pogradec. En route, stop in Elbasan in central Albania to explore its historic fortress, Real Scami, which held strategic importance during Roman and Ottoman times. Visit Saint Mary's Church and King Mosque within the fortress walls, seeing views of the ancient Via Egnatia, the road that once connected Rome to Constantinople. You'll pass by Belsh's eco-village with five scenic lakes. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant in Elbasan, then continue to Pogradec on Lake Ohrid's shores, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes. Known as the City of Artists, Pogradec offers peaceful lake views. Relax by the lake before heading to Ohrid to check into your hotel. Overnight in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Elbasan), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Elbasan Fortress (Real Scami)
- Visit Saint Mary's Church in Elbasan
- Visit King Mosque in Elbasan
- Explore Pogradec lakeside
Landmarks/POIs Elbasan Fortress Saint Mary's Church King Mosque Lake Ohrid - Day 6
Ohrid to Skopje
Start exploring Ohrid's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with centuries of history. You'll visit St. Sophia Church, a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture, and St. Kaneo Church perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid's clear waters. Walk through the charming cobbled streets of the old town and see the Ancient Theatre. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant by the lake with local Macedonian specialties. You'll learn that Ohrid once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year, earning it the nickname Jerusalem of the Balkans. It's one of only 28 sites worldwide with joint UNESCO status for both cultural and natural significance. After lunch, drive about three hours to Skopje, North Macedonia's capital. Check in at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight in Skopje.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional meal at a local restaurant by the lake with local Macedonian specialties), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit St. Sophia Church
- Visit St. Kaneo Church
- Explore Ancient Theatre
- Wander Ohrid Old Town
Landmarks/POIs St. Sophia Church St. Kaneo Church Ancient Theatre of Ohrid 
- Day 7
Skopje to Matka Canyon to Prishtina
After breakfast, head to Matka Canyon just outside Skopje, a natural wonder with towering cliffs, deep waters, and hidden caves. Explore Vrelo Cave, one of Europe's deepest underwater caves, or take a boat ride on serene Matka Lake. Return to Skopje for a tour of the Old Bazaar, one of the Balkans' largest and most vibrant markets with traditional Ottoman architecture, local crafts, and spices. Then continue toward Prishtina, Kosovo's lively capital. Start exploring with the Newborn Monument, symbolizing Kosovo's independence. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa with its unique clock tower and city views. Walk through the historic Old Bazaar and visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn about traditional Kosovar life. Spend the rest of the day at leisure strolling Sheshi Nena Tereza, the main boulevard, where you can relax with meals or coffee at local cafes. Overnight in Prishtina.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Matka Canyon
- Explore Vrelo Cave or enjoy Matka Lake boat ride
- Explore Old Bazaar in Skopje
- Visit Newborn Monument in Prishtina
- Visit Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa
- Explore Old Bazaar in Prishtina
- Visit Ethnographic Museum in Prishtina
Landmarks/POIs Matka Canyon Vrelo Cave Matka Lake Old Bazaar of Skopje Newborn Monument Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa Old Bazaar of Prishtina Ethnographic Museum of Prishtina - Day 8
Prishtina to Prizren to Kruja
After breakfast, head to Prizren, one of Kosovo's most picturesque cities known for its vibrant mix of cultures and mountain backdrop. Walk the Old Town's cobbled streets and visit the impressive Sinan Pasha Mosque, an Ottoman-era structure. Climb to Prizren Fortress for panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. Walk through Shadervan Square, Prizren's heart, and visit the Albanian League of Prizren, a historically significant 19th-century building from the national movement. Explore the Muzeu i Prizrenit showcasing the region's cultural and historical heritage. Later, continue into Albania toward Kruja, a medieval town deeply significant in Albanian history as the stronghold of Gjergj Kastrioti (Skanderbeg), the national hero who fought the Ottoman Empire. Visit Kruja Castle where Skanderbeg made his last stand and explore the Skanderbeg Museum dedicated to his life and independence battles. Browse the Old Bazaar for traditional crafts, souvenirs, olive oil, handmade carpets, and jewelry. Overnight in Kruja.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Prizren Old Town
- Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque
- Visit Prizren Fortress
- Explore Shadervan Square
- Visit Albanian League of Prizren
- Visit Muzeu i Prizrenit
- Visit Kruja Castle
- Visit Skanderbeg Museum
- Browse Old Bazaar in Kruja
Landmarks/POIs Sinan Pasha Mosque Prizren Fortress Shadervan Square Albanian League of Prizren Muzeu i Prizrenit Kruja Castle Skanderbeg Museum Kruja Old Bazaar 
- Day 9
Kruja to Tirana
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital, where your tour concludes. You'll take a scenic drive through the Albanian countryside, passing picturesque towns and villages. Depending on your departure time, you may have a quick stop to stretch your legs or grab a final coffee at a charming local cafe. In Tirana, take a brief tour visiting key landmarks including Skanderbeg Square, Et'hem Bey Mosque, and Tirana's Pyramid. The city shows a rich mix of Ottoman, Italian, and Soviet-era architecture where old and new blend together in this bustling metropolis. If time allows before your departure, enjoy some free time for shopping or a relaxing meal at a local restaurant. Transfer to the airport or your hotel for your onward journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Skanderbeg Square
- Visit Et'hem Bey Mosque
- Visit Tirana's Pyramid
Landmarks/POIs Skanderbeg Square Et'hem Bey Mosque Tirana's Pyramid
